*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift in the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the gameplay. Here's a detailed look at which character you should choose based on your playstyle and the game's demands.
Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons
Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay perspective. As a Samurai, his formidable stature and skills make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* draws inspiration from From Software's melee combat, making Yasuke's gameplay feel like controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*.
Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart in the feudal Japan setting of *Shadows*. He excels in crowd control and delivers powerful melee attacks, capable of handling both base and higher-tier enemies like the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, Yasuke can use a Bow and Arrow, making him effective at range.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more exposed, making stealth a challenge. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying compared to previous protagonists. Many synchronization points are difficult or impossible for Yasuke to reach, which can hinder exploration and map discovery.
Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons
Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her agility and nimbleness allow her to navigate the game world with ease. With a blend of ninja skills and Assassin weaponry, Naoe can master stealth by investing in Mastery points.
While Naoe excels at staying hidden, she struggles when detected. Her lower health and less powerful melee abilities make direct combat challenging. Facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming, and retreating to regain anonymity is often the best strategy. Once safe, Naoe can execute the classic hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations that fans love.
When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe often depends on personal preference, though the story may dictate which character is available for certain quests, especially in canon mode. However, there are clear scenarios where each protagonist shines.
For exploration, Naoe is the better choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and discovering new areas in feudal Japan. She's also highly effective for assassination missions once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Once you've explored a region and identified its toughest targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He's particularly effective in castles where you need to defeat Daimyo Samurai lords to access valuable loot. Yasuke can handle these enemies with brutal assassinations or in open sword fights more easily than Naoe.
For missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the best choice. Conversely, Naoe excels in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based activities. Beyond these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality you connect with more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth gameplay or the newer RPG elements.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S starting March 20th.
